Sex trafficking victims in the country are from all ethnic groups in Malaysia and foreigners. Children,[1][2] people in rural areas and or poverty, minorities,[3] migrants, and refugees[4][5] are vulnerable. Malaysian citizens, primarily women and girls,[6] have been sex trafficked into other countries in Asia and different continents.[7] Many are forced into prostitution and or marriage[2][8] and unfree labour.[9] Victims are threatened and experience physically and psychologically abuse.[3] They contract sexually transmitted diseases from rapes. Some are coerced to be in online pornographic films. The perpetrators are often part of or collude with criminal syndicates.[10] They increasing use the internet to deceive victims.[3][7]
The government of Malaysia has been criticized for its response to sex trafficking. Corruption and impunity are pervasive. Officials and police have been complicit in trafficking.[9][5][11] Law enforcement have also failed to recognize victims and other indications of trafficking, and have treated cases as immigration violations.[5] Though some anti-trafficking efforts, such as public service announcements,[5] are carried out, progress has been limited by poor border management,[10] weak victim protections,[5] inadequate law enforcement practices, low convictions,[12] and other factors.[9]